Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre

The Hauxley Wildlife Discovery Centre is one of the best wildlife-watching spots in the North East. Right next to the beach, it offers fantastic views across the length of Druridge Bay and is internationally renowned for its birds.

Hauxley Nature Reserve was originally part of Radcliffe open-cast mine but was purchased by Northumberland Wildlife Trust in 1983 and transformed into the haven for wildlife you see today.

The reserve has recently been extensively remodelled and extended, and the latest addition, the new eco-friendly building, has been a labour of love, being constructed by an army of dedicated volunteers. Believe it or not, it really is a straw-bale building and has a number of other highly innovative ‘green’ features that make it an appropriate home for a Wildlife Trust team.

Hauxley Nature Reserve also nurtures some fabulous flowers including viper’s bugloss, bloody cranesbill and northern marsh orchid. These attract a large variety of butterflies such as the common blue and the wall brown. We get dragonflies and damselflies on the ponds, including the common hawker and the common darter. Chattering in the woods you might even see our red squirrels.

There’s lots to do here:

A new circular walk and 1 fully accessible trail to accessible 2 hides.

6 hides, including 1 members only hide, which give you a great opportunity to quietly observe a host of birds, including grey herons, tree sparrows, turnstones and shelducks. A wildlife sightings board in Reception is updated daily, so make sure you add yours!

There’s a rubbing disc trail – pick up a booklet/crayon from The Lookout Café.

There’s a natural play area, great for under 10s.

We run events and activities during school holidays – check our ‘What’s on’ listings on-line or poster around the building.

The Lookout Café serves delicious cakes, freshly brewed coffee, snacks and refreshments in a fabulous setting – the views across the lake and the Bay are soul food!

The shop has gifts and pocket money mementos – it all helps support NWT.

Volunteering – come and help us in the café, welcoming visitors or practical conservation; check out the website for all the latest roles.

Hauxley is a dog-free nature reserve.

Join the NWT Hauxley wildlife group

Why not come along to this new members only group; we meet once a month for walks, talks, workshops and social activities. Ask reception for further details.

Education

We offer schools a range of hands-on activities which are enjoyable, memorable and designed to get students closer to the natural environment.

We also run sessions for after-school groups, such as wildlife clubs or scouting/guiding groups.